Restless legs can keep you awake and rob you of the sleep that you need to get you through your day. The constant urge to move, tingling, or aching can keep you awake for hours, leaving you drained and unfocused. While many factors can trigger these sensations, vein issues are sometimes an overlooked cause that contributes to discomfort and sleeplessness.
At VENUS Vein Clinic, we take a closer look at whether vein problems could be connected to your restless legs. When poor circulation or damaged veins are involved, addressing them can help reduce irritation and improve nighttime comfort. We offer a range of vein treatments to target different causes so you can finally rest easier and wake feeling refreshed.
What Is Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless Leg Syndrome is a condition that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs, often described as crawling, tingling, or pulling feelings that make you want to move. The symptoms usually intensify at night or during periods of rest, disrupting your ability to fall asleep or stay asleep. The exact cause isn’t always clear, but poor circulation, nerve issues, or vein disease can contribute to the problem.
How Vein Disease Can Cause Restless Legs
Circulation Problems
When circulation slows, the blood in your legs can pool instead of returning efficiently to the heart. This buildup creates pressure and discomfort, which can trigger the urge to move your legs for relief. Poor circulation also limits oxygen delivery to leg tissues, which can lead to fatigue and heaviness that worsen during rest.
Venous Insufficiency and Restless Legs
Vein disease, particularly chronic venous insufficiency, can make restless legs more frequent and more intense. When vein valves weaken, blood flow becomes sluggish, increasing swelling and irritation in the legs. The resulting heaviness or throbbing can mimic the sensations of restless leg syndrome, and it can be difficult to distinguish between the two conditions without proper evaluation.
How Vein Disease Can Mimic or Worsen RLS
Vein-related symptoms like aching, tingling, and muscle cramping can feel almost identical to those of restless leg syndrome. Because of this overlap, vein disease may go undiagnosed while symptoms persist or worsen. Addressing the underlying vein issue can help reduce leg discomfort and improve nighttime rest, especially when circulation is restored.
Why Does Nighttime Make Restless Legs Worse?
Restless leg symptoms often intensify in the evening when you’re trying to relax or sleep. Reduced movement allows blood to pool more easily in the legs, which amplifies pressure and discomfort. The body’s natural changes in circulation at night can also heighten awareness of these sensations and make restful sleep difficult until the cause is treated.
Other Causes of Restless Legs to Consider
- Neurological Factors: Some cases of RLS are linked to how the brain processes dopamine, a chemical that helps control muscle movement. When dopamine activity is disrupted, the nerves that regulate leg movement can send irregular signals and cause the urge to move or stretch. Conditions such as peripheral neuropathy or Parkinson’s disease can sometimes contribute to these neurological changes.
- Lifestyle and Health Factors: Certain habits and health conditions can increase the likelihood of RLS symptoms. Low iron levels, pregnancy, or the use of specific medications may make symptoms worse. Lifestyle influences such as caffeine intake, smoking, or irregular sleep patterns can also contribute to nighttime discomfort and restlessness.
Treatment Options for Vein-Related Restless Legs
Noninvasive and Lifestyle Measures
You can support better circulation and reduce RLS discomfort through simple daily habits that promote vein health. Take time to raise your legs during rest periods so blood can flow more easily back toward the heart. Regular low-impact movement, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, strengthens the calf muscles that naturally assist blood flow. Compression stockings are another useful option, offering gentle support that helps prevent blood from pooling in the legs. A balanced approach that includes proper hydration, moderate salt intake, and consistent sleep patterns can help your veins function at their best.
In-Office Vein Treatments
- Varithena™: Varithena is a foam treatment used to close diseased veins and restore healthier circulation. Improving blood flow through this method can reduce leg discomfort and may ease symptoms linked to restless legs syndrome when poor circulation is a contributing factor.
- VenaSeal: VenaSeal is a medical adhesive that seals the affected vein and allows blood to reroute through healthier vessels. The closed vein is gradually absorbed by the body, helping relieve swelling, heaviness, and restlessness in the legs.
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: During this treatment, we remove visible surface veins through tiny punctures made under local anesthesia. The process helps relieve pressure in nearby veins and can improve both comfort and leg appearance.
- Sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy treats smaller or spider veins using an injectable solution that causes the vein to close and fade from view. Improved circulation following treatment often helps reduce symptoms such as aching, throbbing, and nighttime leg irritation.
When to See a Vein Specialist
Persistent restlessness, aching, or heaviness in your legs can indicate that vein disease may be contributing to your symptoms. If your discomfort disrupts sleep or worsens when you’re resting, it’s a good time to seek an evaluation. A vein specialist can determine whether circulation issues are related to RLS treatment needs or to another condition entirely.
How Quickly Will Your Symptoms Resolve?
The timing for symptom improvement depends on what’s causing your discomfort and the type of treatment chosen. Some patients notice relief within days or weeks, while others experience gradual progress as circulation improves and veins heal. Each body responds differently, and finding the most effective approach can take time and monitoring.
Reclaim Restful Nights With Vein Treatments in Omaha, NE
At VENUS Vein Clinic, Dr. Kelly Schroeder provides comprehensive care for venous conditions that may contribute to restless legs and poor circulation. Her expertise as a board-certified vein specialist allows us to identify whether vein disease is playing a role in your symptoms and recommend appropriate restless legs treatments that can improve comfort and mobility. To schedule a consultation or learn more about your options in Omaha, NE, call (402) 979-8346 or contact us through our online form.